This summer, Poznań’s New Zoo turns into a vibrant hub of nature, discovery, and adventure. With daily animal encounters, educational walks, and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, it’s the perfect spot for curious kids, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone eager to spend quality time outdoors. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, Poznań’s New Zoo offers a fresh experience every day of the season.
A Summer Full of Encounters
From July 1st through August 31st, Poznań’s New Zoo invites guests to connect with its animal residents during scheduled daily storytelling sessions. These educational encounters take place four times a day on weekdays, and at least eight times a day on weekends and holidays—each in a different area of the zoo. Whenever possible, the sessions are coordinated with the animals’ feeding times to give visitors a natural, engaging glimpse into their routines.
Weekday Schedule (Monday–Friday):
- Flamingos – 1:00 PM
- Bears – 1:30 PM
- Vietnamese Sika Deer – 2:30 PM
- Elephants – 3:00 PM
With over 360 sessions planned throughout the summer, there’s always something new to see or learn. Whether you’re fascinated by majestic birds, curious about hoofed mammals, or in awe of elephants, these sessions reveal the wild heart of Poznań’s New Zoo.
Close Encounters of the Wild Kind
For those who want more than a casual walk-through, Poznań’s New Zoo offers intimate, bookable experiences that bring visitors up close to some of its most iconic residents. These small-group events are guided by expert zookeepers and educators and must be booked in advance by calling the education department at +48 61 8720 773.
Special Experiences Include:
- Elephant Medical Training (400 zł + entry): Observe how keepers work with elephants during routine health checks. Max 4 people (age 10+), early weekday mornings.
- Breakfast on Lemur Island (400 zł + entry): Cross a shallow-water walkway and share a quiet morning with ring-tailed lemurs. Max 2 people (age 12+), weekdays until mid-September.
- Bear Sanctuary Backstage Tour (400 zł + entry): Explore behind the scenes of the zoo’s bear rescue center. Max 4 people (age 10+), from May to September.
- Red Panda Breakfast: Temporarily suspended until September 2025 due to breeding needs.
- Be a Zookeeper for a Day (750 zł): Shadow zoo staff and experience the inner workings of the zoo. One person only, available weekdays.
- Birthday Safari (300 zł + entry): A private, 2-hour electric vehicle tour for families and children (age 6+), complete with animal stories and scenic routes. Group size: max 6.
- Night Zoo Adventure (500 zł per group): Discover the nocturnal life of the zoo after hours during a guided evening tour. Max 6 people, duration approx. 2 hours.
These experiences offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get hands-on with nature in the most respectful and educational way.
Offers for Seniors
Seniors from Poznań are especially welcome at Poznań’s New Zoo this summer. Starting Thursday, May 29, residents aged 60+ who hold a valid Złota Karta (Golden Card) from the OK Poznań program can enjoy entry for just 5 zł every Thursday—not just the first Thursday of the month as before.
In addition, on the first Thursday of each month, the zoo organizes themed walks for seniors, guided by the educational team. These relaxed strolls offer gentle routes and fascinating insights into selected animal species. For example, the next walk will take guests to visit the condors.
No registration is required for discounted entry—just bring your card to the ticket booth. For details on guided walks, check the zoo’s website or contact the education office.
Educational Mini-Tours and Small Group Activities
Beyond the open-access experiences, Poznań’s New Zoo offers a range of “Bliskie Spotkania” (Close Encounters) designed for small groups, families, and school outings. These educational mini-tours are led by experienced staff and focus on a specific animal or conservation topic.
They combine engaging storytelling with science-based knowledge and often include exclusive access to animal enclosures or feeding areas. Group sizes are intentionally kept small for a more meaningful experience.
These tours are available on weekdays and must be booked in advance. Age restrictions may apply, depending on the species involved.
Full list and details: https://zoo.poznan.pl/bliskie-spotkania
And don’t forget: the open-air educational meetings mentioned earlier are also part of the zoo’s learning offer—and they’re included with your regular entry ticket!
Don’t Miss the Old Zoo’s Museum
While the main enclosures are located at Poznań’s New Zoo, the Old Zoo in the city center is also worth a visit. Its Museum of Zoo History features interactive exhibits on river dolphins, porpoises, and the Vietnamazing program, which highlights endangered species from Vietnam and the importance of international conservation.
Plan Your Visit – Practical Info
Visitors can meet Asian elephants, Siberian tigers, lynxes, giraffes, lemurs, wolves, red pandas, condors, and a variety of other fascinating species in spacious, naturalistic environments. The zoo is also recognized for its extensive bird-of-prey aviaries and commitment to rescue and rehabilitation programs.
- Address: ul. Krańcowa 81, 61-048 Poznań
- Getting There: Take tram line 6 or 8 to the “ZOO” stop, then hop on the Maltanka Park Railway for a short scenic ride to the entrance. On-site parking is also available.
- Opening Hours (Summer): 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (ticket office closes at 6:00 PM)
Ticket Prices: adults – 25 zł, children, students, seniors – 18 zł. Family and group tickets available.
A Zoo That Connects People and Animals
Summer at Poznań’s New Zoo is about more than just animals—it’s a celebration of learning, empathy, and coexistence. Whether you’re a child meeting your first giraffe, a senior strolling among trees and birds, or a family discovering new species together, this unique zoo offers experiences that stay with you long after you leave.
This season, take a break from the screens and experience something real. Visit Poznań’s New Zoo—and meet nature face to face.
